30 review for
El Chino

5 out of 5

Billy Noecker–Oct 15, 2017

The tale of the first ever Chinese born bullfighter. Billy, a native of Canton, China, believes that he become anything he wants in America. Unfortunately, he is just too small to do well in American sports. On a trip to Spain, he finds himself enamored with bullfighting sets his sites on being a bullfighter. Of course, many believed you could only be a true matador if you were Spanish, but Billy doesn't believe this and sets himself into achieving his goal.

4 out of 5

Ezekiel–Feb 26, 2012

I'm conflicted about this book. On the one hand I'm really excited to get a book with a Chinese-American protagonist. On the other, it glorifies bull-fighting, which is a pretty screwed up thing. Anyone else's thoughts?

4 out of 5

Jim–Aug 06, 2013

i'd have given this four stars if i thought there was anything positive about bull fighting.

4 out of 5

Becky B–Aug 17, 2017

A picture book biography of Billy Wong, the first matador of Chinese descent.
I really wish that there had been more information about Billy Wong in the back of the book. I want to know more! A fascinating picture book biography. I can safely say I've never read a biography of a matador before. The cover doesn't give a ton of clues as to what this is about, so I was quite surprised at where Billy's life went. May be a good choice if you're looking for a book about making predictions or Chinese A A picture book biography of Billy Wong, the first matador of Chinese descent.
I really wish that there had been more information about Billy Wong in the back of the book. I want to know more! A fascinating picture book biography. I can safely say I've never read a biography of a matador before. The cover doesn't give a ton of clues as to what this is about, so I was quite surprised at where Billy's life went. May be a good choice if you're looking for a book about making predictions or Chinese Americans in sports.

5 out of 5

Jennifer–Jun 13, 2017

Say creates a story (I think based on real events because of the dedication) that is a different theme from his usual books (he usually concentrates on the Japanese-American immigrant experience). This book is about an American born/Chinese descent man who moves to Spain and decides to become a matador. This is a book about being dedicated towards your goals and not giving up on your dreams. Beautiful artwork, as always.

5 out of 5

Amanda Walz–Oct 20, 2017

A story about fighting for your dreams.

4 out of 5

Susan–Oct 26, 2017

A great picture book about never giving up on your dreams! Fascinating, and makes me curious about the rest of the story...

5 out of 5

Stacie–Sep 06, 2017

Another wonderful book by Allen Say. His illustrations are gorgeous. We can learn so much from these stories of immigrants.

4 out of 5

Julia–Jan 31, 2011

I loved Allen Say's true story of the first Chinese bullfighter. The son of Chinese immigrants, Billy Wong grew up in Arizona. His father is a grocer who tells Billy "In America you can be anything you want to be". Not wanting to be a grocer like his father, Billy dreams of becoming a basketball player. When his height becomes an issue, Billy becomes an engineer like his brother. Billy goes to Spain on vacation and discovers his new dream is to become a bullfighter. He is told over and over agai I loved Allen Say's true story of the first Chinese bullfighter. The son of Chinese immigrants, Billy Wong grew up in Arizona. His father is a grocer who tells Billy "In America you can be anything you want to be". Not wanting to be a grocer like his father, Billy dreams of becoming a basketball player. When his height becomes an issue, Billy becomes an engineer like his brother. Billy goes to Spain on vacation and discovers his new dream is to become a bullfighter. He is told over and over again that only Spaniards can be real Matadors. Billy does not let his dream die and he becomes El Chino, the Chinese Matador.
El Chino deals with overcoming stereotypes. Billy doesn't let the Spaniards squash his dream of becoming a Matador. This is also a book about pride. Billy is proud of his Chinese heritage. He high self esteem and hard work lead Billy to become the first Chinese matador.
El Chino would be a great book to use in an author study. Allen Say has written several books about Asian immigrants in America. His books deal with cross-cultural experiences.

5 out of 5

Courtney Sharpton–Mar 09, 2011

I love this book because students see that even if they have to give up a dream another door will be opened. It also shows students that being proud of your heritage instead of ignoring and attempting to change it is a good thing. Love who you are and embrace what you are and someday you will get to where you are trying to go. I also love the way say structure some of the sentences in this book.

5 out of 5

Laura–Mar 18, 2009

This was an interesting story, one I had never heard before. I liked how the man in the story never gave up on his dreams. There were a couple of illustrations among the first several pages that I thought were absolutely amazing, I loved how Allen Say drew the people's faces. I would probably recommend.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

4 out of 5

Shaeley Santiago–Dec 31, 2013

American-born Bong Way "Billy" Wong visits Spain and decides to become a bull fighter. In spite of tradition that only Spaniards can become bull fighters, Billy successfully pursues his dream and becomes known as "El Chino," the Chinese.
holiday #bookaday

4 out of 5

KarenMLISt–Apr 07, 2015

Allen Say is a master storyteller with such lovely simplicity. This book is an inspiration and it may be because I'm a sucker for a good true story with a happy ending. Fabulous book to share with anyone but especially children who need to be reminded to hold on to their dreams!

5 out of 5

Ebony Hargett–Apr 08, 2011

Great multicultural book with lessons on accepting your background and passions in life. I would use this book for grades 3-5. Also good for creating discussions on "what it means to follow your dreams and still know where you come from".

4 out of 5

Julia–Jul 16, 2008

I was surprised by this book. I expected it to be very historical as Allen Say's books tend to be. This book was about a man who believed that he could do anything, even though he doesn't achieve his first dream, he comes upon another one that he loves even more.

4 out of 5

Donna–May 02, 2012

ElChino
Love this true story about "Billy" bong way wong who became the very first Chinese bull fighter in spain.

4 out of 5

Angie–Jan 29, 2011

Good biography of El Chino. I liked how the illustrations went from black and white to color once Billy found his purpose.

4 out of 5

Lauren White–Jan 12, 2015

Good for grades k-4

5 out of 5

Allison–Oct 02, 2012

Wonderful story of Bill Wong, a Chinese-American bullfighter.

5 out of 5

S10_Abby Alley–Jul 15, 2010

True story of Billy Wong, the first Chinese bull fighter. Appropriate for grades 2-6, depending on how it is used.

4 out of 5

Theresa–Jul 24, 2011

beautiful pictures, a good resource in showing kids how to live up to the impossible dreams, even if the dreams change over time because of circumstance, but endurance wins out.

4 out of 5

Kathryn Joyce–Sep 11, 2012

A Chinese bullfighters journey. I would use this book to help Chinese-American students relate and see familiar terms. It is an exciting plot that all students would enjoy.

4 out of 5

Olivia–Oct 14, 2008

I like this book because it tells u how the boy became to have faith in himself.

4 out of 5

Mckinley–Jul 24, 2015

Being what you want to be.

4 out of 5

Hosea.victor–Oct 22, 2008

I learned that you can be whatever you want to be even if you're Chinese and you want to be a spanish matador

5 out of 5

Joyce Munzwandi–Sep 18, 2012

This is a great book to help Chinese students to identify with someone from their own country who has sedttled in America.

5 out of 5

Sarah–Nov 24, 2015

Good for children, great for teaching.

4 out of 5

Chelsea Chandler–

5 out of 5

Kathleen–

4 out of 5

Laura–

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